Daniel Shanfield

Daniel Shanfield

4.6
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 28 years

Immigration Lawyer at San Jose, CA
Practice Areas: Immigration

2107 N. 1st St, Suite 360, San Jose, CA

About Daniel

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 28 years

State: California

Acquired: 1997

Active

No misconduct found

Location

The Law Offices of Daniel Shanfield Immigration Defense P.C.

2107 N. 1st St, Suite 360, San Jose, CA, 95131

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Daniel Shanfield's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.6 /5.0

34 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (34) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 11 - 15 of 21 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | November 25, 2013 | Immigration

A Great Immigration Attorney

I had prior offenses for possession of a controlled substance, under the influence, and possession of paraphernalia. These were committed at the same time and though the charges were dismissed after a successful diversion, it still constitute as convictions in the context of immigration. In short I... was inadmissible and deportable. I've been in the US for over 20 years and this knowledge had inhibited me from applying for naturalization. I even once turned down an opportunity as it require international travel. I had approached several immigration attorneys but they gave me the impression that they are not interested and simply went through the motions of giving me advises that I already know. Hey, I know how to search Google too. :-) But I guess they are obligated to do so since the consultation fees are not cheap. So believe me that it is daunting to find the right attorney. Though it is easy to find bad ones. I found Daniel Shanfield's firm from one of these attorney sites. I was skeptical when I consulted with him. But what the heck, his fee was the cheapest in comparison to the previous Google mongering attorneys. Daniel was sympathetic, sincere, and honest. Honest in a sense that he was forthright to the possible consequences if I decide to go through the naturalization process. And he did not make any promises except that he will represent me. That I believe is what makes a great attorney. Just a word of caution that if an attorney tells you it is a sure win, DON'T hire him. I know right then that I found my attorney. Daniel's approach when we applied for naturalization was premised on honesty. We were upfront by disclosing EVERYTHING to USCIS and all were substantiated by certified court documents, employment history, tax returns, letters from family and friends attesting that I have reformed, drug diversion documents, etc. Basically it is to convey that I have reformed. It sounds easy but it is not as it requires a skilled attorney to packaged this all together. As Daniel would aptly say, “Fog of War”. Let's fast forward a few days ago when I took my Oath. :-) Yes, after years of being afraid, I am finally a US Citizen. And proud to be one. None of this could have happened without Daniel's help. It saddens me however that our collaboration has come to an end. Daniel, thank you!!! I am forever in your debt.

Posted by Jae | September 10, 2013 | Immigration

Cannot recommend strongly enough. Professional, courteous, honest, and supremely skilled. Excellent immigration attorney!

I spent the past 13 years in immigration limbo. I got into some trouble while I was in school and was ultimately convicted of two serious drug charges. I completed probation and everything, but every attorney I spoke with told me that I should sit tight, and that going to renew my green card would... be dangerous. Nobody had any real solutions for me other than "stay under the radar". After consulting with 3-4 different attorneys each year since I got into trouble I was losing hope. Then I found Mr. Shanfield's practice. He was the first attorney to present to me an actionable strategy to pursue citizenship directly. I did not think it was possible, in light of everything all the other attorneys told me. It just goes to show how important your representation is. Over the past 8 months, Daniel and his excellent Immigration Coordinator Diana have guided me every step of the way through my citizenship application. Daniel and his staff are committed to the successful resolution of your case, and they are honest, communicative, and supremely knowledgeable. What seemed like a truly impossible case has ultimately been resolved and my Oath ceremony is next week. I cannot begin to describe how thankful I am for everything Daniel and his staff have done for me. A huge weight has been removed from my shoulders, and now I can live a new life free of this cloud of doubt that had been hanging over my head for so long. I would highly recommend anyone with any immigration related issue to get in touch with Daniel to see what he has to say, no matter how impossible your case may seem. He will tell you exactly what the facts are, and how they pertain to your case, and he will give you an honest assessment of what he can and can't do as well as the risks involved if any. If he can help me, I guarantee he can help you.

Posted by Faustina | December 18, 2012 | Immigration

THANK YOU SHANFIELD AND TEAM

Daniel Shanfield worked on my husband's permanent resident application and was very sincere, trustworthy and knowledgeable on immigration law. It was a very tough case and he honestly gave us all the probabilities that might come out of the case upfront. He sent the first application last year in... October (2011) and all the documents were finalized in September 2012 and my husband got his permanent resident card in November 2012. I will recommend Mr. Shanfield to anyone looking for an immigration attorney any day any time. Thank you Team Shanfield for a good work done.

Posted by Fatin | July 06, 2012 | Immigration

He didn't give up on me after 3 others did!

God bless Daniel Shanfield. I had a very difficult case where I had to file 3 different petitions through out 5 agonizing years of being in immigration Limbo. The experience of sifting through 3 different lawyers has taught me that if you want something done in the immigration world, be EXTRA caref...ul in choosing when choosing who represents you. Daniel Shanfield took my case and we succeeded after My husband and I have lost all hope of ever having a future in this country. He was very attentive, very knowledgeable in immigration law, and very helpful to us in other legal matters as well. Hi Paralegal Heidi has been there for me from the start and she is AMAZING! I recommend Daniel with a 10 star rating. If you have given up on all your options.. He is the man to go to because he gets the job done..Thank you Daniel and his wonderful paralegal Heidi!!

Posted by Citizen | April 30, 2011 | Immigration

Exceptionally talented /knowledgeable immigration lawyer

I am in debt of Mr. Daniel Shanfield for saving my naturalization application /citizenship.I had lost all the hopes of getting my citizenship before i met Daniel .As soon as i met him i knew he is extremely talented immigration lawyer .I was impressed the way he handled my case .Attentions to details... ,consistent follow up with the client(extremely important for piece of mind) and application of mind (heart and soul) to reasearch/investigate different options .Also he is extremely honest to his client by throwing all the possible options onto the table and different strategy to fight all odds.Bottomline he is fair with the client at the same time aggresive to fight for you ..He is more than willing to work with other criminal lawyers if needed for the case..Lastly his staff is very helpful and caring ...I finally successfully got my citizenship and i owe Daniel big time ...Thanks a lot Daniel and your staff...I wish you good luck

See All Client Reviews

Daniel Shanfield's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Daniel
Seth P Chazin headshot
Seth Chazin

Immigration lawyer | Aug 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this Attorney."

Elliot M.S. Yi headshot
Elliot Yi

Unknown lawyer | Sep 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Riccardo Lorenzo Ippolito headshot
Riccardo Ippolito

Immigration lawyer | Oct 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Mr. Shanfield has repeatedly shown his understanding of the complex area of immigration law. I know many criminal defense attorneys who routinely seek him out for his expertise on these delicate issues."

Cameron Kennard Bowman headshot
Cameron Bowman

Immigration lawyer | Mar 19

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I would endorse Mr. Shanfield without hesitation. He is an excellent lawyer and extremely knowledgeable in his field. He fights tenaciously for his clients. I have worked with him previously on cases that have involved a "dual" criminal and immigration law overlap and been impressed with his expertise."

Ritu Goswamy headshot
Ritu Goswamy

Immigration lawyer | Mar 06

Relationship: Co-worker

"I have known Daniel for over three years. We worked on a matter together and then continued to support each other as colleagues. Over the years, I have been impressed by his deep knowledge and understanding of immigration law, his compassion for his clients, and his boundless professional integrity. For these reasons, I have recently joined his firm as a Senior Associate Attorney and am honored to be working with him. I highly recommend him and endorse his work."

View All Endorsements
Riccardo Lorenzo Ippolito headshot
Riccardo Ippolito

Criminal defense lawyer

Cameron Kennard Bowman headshot
Cameron Bowman

Criminal defense lawyer

Ritu Goswamy headshot
Ritu Goswamy

Immigration lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2014

Lead Counsel Rating, Lead Counsel

2014

Top 100 Lawyers, The National Advocates

2013

Top 100 Lawyers, American Society of Legal Advocates

2013

"Preeminent" Attorney Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

Clients' Choice Award, Avvo

2012

Clients' Choice Award, Avvo

2011

Tequio Award for Pro Bono Service to Immigrant Community, Consulate General of Mexico San Jose, California

2010

Northern California Superlawyer, San Francisco Magazine

2009

Northern California Superlawyer, San Francisco Magazine

2008

Northern California Superlawyer, San Francisco Magazine

2000

Berger Memorial Fellowship, American Immigration Lawyers Association

1997

Attorney Honors Program, U.S. Department of Justice

1995

Prosser Award for Research in International Human Rights, UC Berkeley

Work Experience

2010 - Present

Attorney, Law Offices of Daniel Shanfield - Immigration Defense, PC

2004 - 2007

Managing Partner, Shanfield & Klein, LLP

2003 - 2004

Legal Services Manager, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) Overseas Refugee Processing Entity

2002 - 2002

Expert-on-Mission, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

2000 - 2001

Adjunct Professor, New York Law School Civil and Human Rights Clinic, New York, New York

1998 - 2002

Staff Attorney, Asylum Program, Human Rights First

1997 - 1998

Assistant District Counsel, U.S. Department of Justice, Immigration & Naturalization Service

1995 - 1995

Legal Researcher, United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees (Unhcr)

1994 - 1994

Judicial Extern, U.S. District Court Western District of Washington, Chambers of the Hon. Thomas S. Zilly

Associations

2009 - Present

American Immigration Lawyers Association, Santa Clara Valley Chapter

Consulate General of Mexico Liaison

2008 - Present

Stanford Law School Immigrants' Rights Clinic Legal Advisory Board

Board member

2008 - Present

Bar Association of San Francisco

Pro Bono Immigration Court Panel

2008 - Present

Legal Adisory Board -- Stanford Law School Immigrants Rights Clinic

Board Member

2004 - Present

Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights

Asylum Mentor

2008 - 2010

American Immigration Lawyers Association, Santa Clara Valley Chapter

Immigration Courts Liaison (EOIR)

2007 - 2008

American Immigration Lawyers Association, Santa Clara Valley Chapter

Chairman

2007 - 2008

American Immigration Lawyers Association, Board of Governors

Board Member

2006 - 2007

American Immigration Lawyers Association, Santa Clara Valley Chapter

Vice-Chair

2005 - 2005

Santa Clara County Bar Association, Immigration Section

Chairman

2004 - 2005

American Immigration Lawyers Association, Santa Clara Valley Chapter

Congressional Advocacy Liaison

2000 - 2000

American Immigration Lawyers Association, New York Chapter

Immigration Courts Liaison (EOIR)

Sample of Legal Cases

In re E-Z-

Obtained Green Card

In re F-O-

Successfully stopped deportation

In re: T-L-

Successfully stopped deportation

See More Legal Cases

Education

1996

University of California at Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1993

UCLA (magna cum laude)

BA - Bachelor of Arts

N/A

University of California - San Diego

Speaking Engagements

2014

American Immigration Lawyers Association (Santa Clara Valley chapter) Surviving Your Master Calendar Hearing CLE Immigration Court Removal Proceedings

2013

American Immigration Lawyers Association (California chapter) Developments in Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude and Inadmissibility

2013

American Immigration Lawyers Association Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

2011

Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights

Asylum and Immigration Law

2000

U.S. Congress, House Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights Rights of Child Refugees and Asylum Seekers

N/A

Numerous Speaking Engagements

Immigration Law

Publications

2013

American Immigration Lawyers Association (California chapters) Update on Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude and Admissibility

2004

Refugee Reports Relief for Persecuted Religious Minorities from Iran

Languages

French

Spanish

English

Activity

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